Musical Director

Kathryn Barnett- Battersby BA (Hons) Music & Performing Arts, PGCE

Kathryn studied for her BA (Hons) degree in Music and Performing Arts at Lancaster University where she specialised in singing and trained under Hillary Jackson, tutor from Opera North. She performed regularly as a solo artist as well as with the Cecilia Choir touring Europe and performing on radio. During this time she attended various workshops and vocal master classes led by various internationally renowned artists including Sir Thomas Allen. She then gained her PGCE in teaching Music and Drama at Liverpool Hope University.
She then went on to teach Music, Drama and Singing in schools for 15 years and was Head of Music at Ashton Community Science College for 7 years. During this time she also worked for Lancashire Music Service as a Singing Teacher, a Vocal Workshop Leader, a Wider Opportunities Music Teacher in Primary Schools, and she also led many different Primary and Secondary School Choirs along with Adult Community Choirs and Pop Choirs.
Being a member of the Association of British Choral Directors Kathryn gained the Extended Choral Conducting Course at Intermediate Level qualification. She attended courses and workshops in choral singing with various leading practitioners.
After starting a family, Kathryn now continues to work for Lancashire Music Service and is Musical Director of The Freckleton Village Singers as well as The Kirkham Singers.Kathryn is currently Music Teacher and Choir Leader at St Peter’s Primary School Lytham. Kathryn enters pupils for singing exams in Classical, Musical Theatre and Pop through the ABRSM, LCM and Rockschool examinations.
Kathryn is also in demand as a solo singer for concerts, weddings and private functions. She loves to sing a wide variety of musical styles from Classical to Jazz and she has a versatile Mezzo Soprano voice.

Kathryn loves being the Musical Director to The Kirkham Singers. “Singing, especially in a choir, has many benefits mentally, physically, socially and emotionally for people. It is the one thing in life in which feeling better is pretty much guaranteed. Everyone loves music and it has such a healing power for people of all ages.”
She ensures that choir members continue to improve their own vocal technique in breathing and voice production through enjoyable warm ups and exercises. They are then encouraged to learn a wide variety of new repertoire in a fun, friendly and stimulating environment whilst concentrating on the musical skills required for each song. Good blend of sound and balance, clear diction, clear intonation, musical phrasing and interpretation are just a few examples of the musical techniques required for a great sounding choir.